Carstairs walked up to the one he recognised, with the little brass handled stairway, the bright paint and fancy leather work; a little crowd of ragged urchins and mongrel curs trailed after him. He mounted the steps and rapped at the little door. It was promptly opened and a woman looked out; although she was much more haggard and worn looking he recognised her at once, and he saw that she recognised him.
"She's not here, she's gone into the town to buy things for father."
"Which town? Not Southville?"
"No,——." She mentioned a little country town about four miles away. "She'll be back this evening."
He stood on the step and stroked his chin in thought. "I've driven over from Southville, but my man can go back with the horse. Where do you think I could get lodgings near here?"
"There's a public house in the village."
"Where's that?"
"Back along the road you came, only turn to the left."
"Thanks. I'll call again to-morrow. You're sure she'll be here?"
"Yes, father's ill."